Abstract
The investigation presented illustrates the importance of analyzing stress corrosion crack paths, and the interpretation of the crack paths with respect to alloys and corrosive media. Testing involved alpha aluminum bronze alloys of 5–8 percent Al content exposed to ammonia and steam atmospheres, while stressed to about 80 percent of the yield strength. The various crack paths obtained are illustrated in micrographs, and the reasons for the different types of crack paths are associated with factors such as equilibrium grain boundary segregation and the chemical attack of segregated solute elements by corrosive agents. The results of the investigation are discussed in terms of analyzing causes of field failures. Examples of processing considerations to minimize failures are cited. 3.2.2
